Atlantic Permit Application E14-005

The following document is a Geological and Geophysical (G&G) permit application from CGG Services 

Inc. to conduct an offshore marine two-dimensional (2D) deep penetration seismic survey on the 

Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf of the United States. This survey will be conducted offshore of 

Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 

CGG will use one seismic survey vessel to conduct this survey. Marine 2D seismic surveys use an airgun 

array (active sound source) when acquiring data. The sound waves emitted by the source penetrate the 

subsurface and are reflected off the different subsurface rock layers back up to receivers towed behind 

the survey vessel. This type of survey is used to acquire subsurface data to study the regional geology 

over a large area. They are favored for regional work because they can acquire the necessary data 

quicker and more economically. This is because of the relatively large data acquisition grid size used. The

information acquired is then used to determine potential areas of interest, as well as areas that are not

of interest, for further exploration. The survey data will be acquired following a grid pattern. The outline 

on the public information map shows the extent of the survey grid with some exaggeration of the actual 

size and location to help protect survey confidentiality. The survey grid size sailed by the survey vessel 

depends on several factors, but principally the data resolution required. Typical 2D seismic survey grids, 

for the Atlantic surveys, range from roughly a 2.5 mi x 2.5 mi grid up to a 50 mi x 70 mi grid.

This Atlantic G&G permit application will be available for public review and comment on the 

Regulations.gov web site for a period of 30 calendar days starting on March 30, 2015. The application is 

placed on Regulations.gov after BOEM has received all of the pertinent application information from the 

permit applicant and before the completion of BOEM’s environmental review process. As part of 

BOEM’s environmental review process for G&G permit applications, BOEM will consider potential 

impacts to local and regional resources. This environmental review process will tier from the 

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) prepared for G&G activities on the Mid-Atlantic 

and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. The G&G PEIS described and evaluated the potential 

environmental impacts associated with reasonably foreseeable G&G survey activities in Federal waters 

overlying the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), including potential effects 

on many resources such as marine mammals (e.g. north Atlantic right whales), sea turtles, and 

commercial and recreational fishing. The G&G PEIS also evaluated mitigation measures to reduce 

potential impacts of G&G activities on marine resources, such as marine mammal exclusion zones near 

airgun operations, and time-area closures. BOEM will require permit applicants to comply with 

applicable mitigation measures based on the results of the site-specific environmental analysis 

conducted for each Atlantic G&G permit application. BOEM will review the comments received during 

the public comment period for this permit applications and will take them into consideration during the 

environmental review process.

Please note that the G&G activities proposed under these Atlantic G&G permit applications will also be 

subject to additional public review and comments as part of the review processes undertaken by both 

State and Federal agencies. One of the Federal agencies that will review the proposed activities will be 

the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The review is required as part of NMFS’ statutory and 

regulatory obligations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Its statutes, regulations and guidelines 

govern NMFS’ authorization processes and public comment review periods. Additionally, States also 

have an opportunity to review the activities proposed under these permit applications as part of their 

federally-approved Coastal Zone Management Programs (CZMP) if it has been determined that the 

activity to be authorized under BOEM’s G&G permit may have an impact on their coastal resources. 
Please note that each State has its own process for public review and comment under its approved 

CZMP. 
D 

Attachment 1 

UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT 

New Orleans 

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office) 

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CONDUCT GEOLOGICAL OR GEOPHYSICAL 

EXPLORATION FOR MINERAL RESOURCES OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 

(Section 11, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of August 7. 1953, as amended on September 18. 1978. 

by Public Law 95-372, 92 Statute 629. 43 U.S.C. 1340; and 30 CFR Parts 251 and 551) 

CGG Services (US) Inc. 

OOM OCS REGION 

BOEM 

Name of Applicant RELEASABLE 

10300 Town Park JUL 2 2 2014 

Number and Street 

Houston, TX 77072 

New Orleans, LA 

OFFSHORE RESOURCE EVALUATION 

City, State, and Zip Code 

New Orleans, LA 

OFFSHORE RESOURCE EVALUATION 

Application is made for the following activity: (check one) 

Geological exploration for mineral resources 

Geological scientific research 

X Geophysical exploration for mineral resources 

Geophysical scientific research 

Submit: Original plus three copies, totaling four copies, which include one digital copy, and one public 

information copy. 

To be completed by BOEM 

Permit Number: E I L | "OPS' Date: ^ ' Af C " lD / ^ 

For m BOEM-0327 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used.) Page 5 of 13 
A. General Information 

1. The activity will be conducted by: 

CGG Services (US) Inc. 

Service Company Name 

KUOOTown Park 

Address 

For CGG Services (US) Inc. 

Purchaser(s) of the Data 

10300Town Park 

Address 

Houston, TX 77072 Houston, TX 77072 

City, State. Zip 

832-351-1603 / 832-351-8720 

Telephone/FAX Numbers 

niichael.whiteheadffl)cgg.coni 

E-Mail Address 

2. The purpose ofthe activity is: 

City, Stale, Zip 

832-351-1603 / 832-351-8720 

Telephone/FAX Numbers 

michacl.whitchcatlftf cgg.com 

E-Mail Address 

X Mineral exploration 

Scientific research 

3. Describe your proposed survey activities (i.e., vessel use, benthic impacts, acoustic sources, etc) 

and describe the environmental effects ofthe proposed activity, including potential adverse effects 

on marine life Describe what steps are planned to minimize these adverse effects (mitigation 

measures). For example: I) Potential Effect; Excessive sound level Mitigation: Soft Start. 

MMOs. mammal exclusion zone or 2) Potential Effect: Bottom disturbance: Mitigation: ROV 

deployment/retrieval of bottom nodes) (use continuation sheets as necessary or provide a separate 

attachment): 

Seismic research vessel, no adverse effects, single source array, noise propogation and mitigation 

in place to protect environment, NTL regulations will be followed. 

4. The expected commencement date is: January 2015 

The expected completion date is: January 2016 

5. The name ofthe individuaKs) in charge ofthe field operation is: 

Jean-Francois Roudault 

May be contacted at: 

Telephone (Local) 832-351-8497 (Marine) 832 350 1799 

Email Address: iean-francois.roudantr^cmz.com Radio call sign NA 

For m BOEM-032 7 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used.) Pag e 6 Of 13 
6. The vessel(s) to be used in the operation is (are): Please see Attached Document v 

Name (s) Registry Number(s) Registered owners) 

Single Streamer Vessel towing, single source and single 10 to 12 solid km cable 

7. The port from which the vessel(s) will operate is: To be Determined 

8. Briefly describe the navigation system (vessel navigation only): 

WADGPS 

B. Complete for Geological Exploration for Mineral Resources or 

Geological Scientific Research 

1. The type of operation(s) to be employed is: (check one) 

(a) Deep stratigraphic test, or 

(b) Shallow stratigraphic test with proposed tolal depth of , or 

(c) Other 

2. Attach a page-size plat showing: I) The generalized proposed location for each test, where 

appropriate, a polygon enclosing the test sites may be used, 2) BOEM protraction areas; 

coastline: point of reference: 3) Distance and direction from a point of reference to area of 

activity. 

C. Complete for Geophysical Exploration for Mineral Resources or 

Geophysical Scientific Research 

I. The type(s) of operation(s) to be employed is (are): 

a) Acquisition method (OBN, OBC, Streamer): Streamer 

b) Type of acquisition: (High Resolution Seismic, 2D Seismic. 3D Seismic, gravity, magnetic, 

CSEM, etc.) 

?.n Seismic, riravily ancl Magnetics - _ 

2. Attach a page-size plat showing: 

a) The generalized proposed location ofthe activity with a representative polygon. 

b) BOEM protraction areas; coastline; point of reference, 

c) Distance and direction from a point of reference to area of activity. 

3. List all energy source types to be used in the operation(s): (Air gun. air gun array(s). sub-bottom 

profiler, sparker, lowed dipole, side scan sonar, etc.). 

For m BOEM-032 7 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used ) Pag e 7 of 13 
Airgun array 

4. Explosive charges will will not X be used. If applicable, indicate the type of 

explosive and maximum charge size (in pounds) to be used: 

Type Pounds Equivalent Pounds of TNT 

D. Proprietary Information Attachments 

Use the appropriate form on page 9 for a "geological" permit application or the form on page 11 for a 

"geophysical" permit application. You musl submit a separate Form BOEM-0327 to apply for each 

geological or geophysical permit. 

E. Certification 

I hereby certify that foregoing and attached information are true and correct. 

Print Name: 

SIGNED ^>LXJ? A UsCttJ? DATE gj/^k/ QQj^. 

TITLE 

COMPANY NAME: CGG Services (US) Inc. 

TO BE COMPLETED BY BOEM 

Permit No. E/H'OQS ' Assigned by lj^ t Ch^\Vc^'Xur \ Date jMi^Zo/ y 

of BOEM ' 

This application is hereby: 

a. y Accepted 

b. Returned for reasons in the attached 

SIGNED k> ^ TITLE Regional Supervisor DATE ^ 7 ' y 

For m BOEM-032 7 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used.) Pag e 8 of 13 
U.S. 200 Nautical M ile Limit

U.S. 350 Nautical Mile

Limit (ECS)

100

100

3000

NI18-11

NI18-08

NI18-05

NI18-12

NI19-07

NI18-10

NJ19-08

NJ19-05

NJ19-02

NI18-09

NI19-04

NI18-06

NI18-07

NK19-11

NI19-01

NI18-03

NI17-12

NH NH18-07 17-09

NJ19-10

NH18-05

NH18-02

NJ18-12

NH NH18-04 17-06

NH18-03

NH NH18-01 17-03

NJ18-11

NK19-08

NJ19-07

NJ18-09

NJ19-04

NJ19-03

NJ18-06

NJ19-01

NJ18-03

NJ19-06

NK19-12

NI18-02

NK19-10

NH17-12

NJ18-08

NH18-10

NH17-05

NK18-12

NK19-09

NI18-04

NH17-02

NJ18-05

NH17-08

NG17-11

NI17-09

NK19-05

NH17-11

NK19-07

NG17-03

NG17-06

NJ18-02

NG17-09

NI17-11

NG17-10

NG17-02

NK20-10

NG17-08

NK19-04

NJ20-01

NF17-02

NK19-06

NG17-12

NF17-01

NK18-11

NG17-05

NI18-01

NK18-09

Proposed Seismic 2D Program

0 100 200

km  ́

Legend

CGG Survey Public Outline

State Administrative Boundary

Water Depth (meters)

Author: MMcClelland

File Name: Atlantic_Planning_Area_Public_02-12-15

PCS: NAD_1927_UTM_Zone17